Equipment
See photos of Callaway’s new Apex irons, coming “very soon”
Last week, sources confirmed that Callaway would revive the Apex name for its new set of forged distance irons.
This weekend in the GolfWRX Tour/Pre-Release Equipment forum, the first photos of the iron’s logos were released, as well as a video message from Roger Cleveland about the irons.
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According to Cleveland, the new Apex irons are longer and have great turf interaction like Callaway’s previous forged distance iron, the Diablo Forged.
“And they’re coming very soon,” Cleveland said.
Equipment
Putters that never made it: Check out some of the best tour builds that didn’t make the cut
Arguably, the best perk of being a professional golfer on the PGA Tour is the ability to request or even just be handed pretty much any club you could think of. It happens more often than you think, usually with putters around the practice green from one event to the next. Come Wednesday, the Tour bags lining the edge of the putting surface become resting places for fallen flatsticks that never made the cut.
So let’s take a look at some of the best we’ve seen out on Tour this year that never made it to the competition. (You may notice none of Hideki Matsuyama’s custom Scotty Cameron putters made this list. There are too many.)
Let’s start with this custom Damascus Milled Odyssey Rossie made for Ryo Hisatsune. Featuring a single line and the short-slant hossel, we’ve seen plenty of Number 7 and jailbird heads featuring the Damascus Milled insert, but this is the first and only one we’ve spotted in a Rossie. Hisatsune primarily putts with an Odyssey Black Series iX #9, but we have seen him recently with a TaylorMade TP Collection SOTO, so there could be potential that the Damascus Milled Rossie could end up in the bag.
Everyone wants to be Cameron Young right now. We’ve had Justin Thomas and Tom Hoge both game the Scotty Cameron 9.5R prototype. Well, for the PGA Championship, Brooks Koepka nearly joined that list after requesting the same style of putter, with the full-length alignment line. But the Scotty Cameron reps took the request a step further and made one specially for Koepka with a Teryllium insert, similar to one in his previous Newport 2 gamers. The reason why this one didn’t go into play, though? Because it was too heavy.
Harry Hall was the third-best putter on Tour last year, so when Bettinardi made him a custom proto, you know it was going to be good. The custom BB28 blade features VDF face milling, a custom-welded single-bend shaft, and the owner’s initials – HH – on the sole of the putter. Hall, who usually games an Odyssey O-Works #7 W, has dabbled with a TaylorMade Spider Tour X already this year. Maybe there’s a chance this Bettinardi might make his bag.
Honestly, this one doesn’t need a description. It’s Kieth Mitchell’s custom Scotty Cameron Napa. One Scotty Cameron face stamp, two Scotty Dogs, two Scotty Cameron 7-Point Crowns and one Circle T. That is all. Oh, except for the Cashmere Cameron headcover.
Finally, and just for fun, how about we pour one out for this TaylorMade Spider Tour X made for Scottie Scheffler in its new torched finish. It’s unlikely we’ll see a putter change anytime soon from the best golfer in the world. In fact, he hit just two putts with it on the Harbour Town practice before going back to his trusty gamer.
Driver: Titleist GT3 (9 degrees) Buy here.
Shaft: Aldila Rogue Silver 130 M.S.I. 70 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X
Irons: Grindworks PR-202 (4), Grindworks PR-101A (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 Tour Rack (52-10 Mid), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (56-08M), SM11 (60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron Tour Rat 1.5 Tour Prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
In our forums, our members have been discussing their favorite major winning irons used by Tiger Woods. WRXer ‘golferdude54’ kicks off the thread saying:
“Mizuno MP 14/29. Titleist 681T. Nike Forged Blades. TaylorMade P7TW.
Among these irons that helped Tiger win 15 majors, which is your favorite in terms of looks?”
And our members have been naming their favorites and why in response.
Here are a couple of posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- SwingBlade: “I prefer the early blades he played and the more recent TM TW’s especially because after Tiger had his major behavioral setbacks, part of Nikes support payback was making Tiger play a Nike putter and cease using his beloved uniquely customized Scotty putter.”
- ProjectX: “This (Nike Forged Blades) and there’s not even a close second.”
Entire Thread: “Which of Tiger’s major winning irons are your favorite? – GolfWRXers discuss”
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Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Nelly Korda WITB 2026 (April)
Justin Rose on the switch to McLaren Golf, learnings from previous equipment moves
Photos from the 2026 PGA Championship
Patrick Reed WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Titleist GT3 (9 degrees) Buy here. Shaft: Aldila Rogue Silver 130 M.S.I. 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (15 degrees)...
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Driver: TaylorMade M6 (9 degrees) Shaft: Aldilda Synergy Blue 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue...
Michael Block WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black VeloCore+ 5 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees @14.25) Shaft: Mitsubishi...
Bryson DeChambeau WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees) Shaft: Project X Prototype 3-wood: Krank Formula Fire (10 degrees) Shaft: LA Golf BAD...
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joro
Sep 22, 2015 at 8:36 am
Funny stuff here. I played my good golf in the 60s with small forged blades and Wood Woods. The balls were wound and cut easily. I still have the Irons and took them out one day a year or so ago along with some Wood Woods just to see. Pretty clubs and good memories of Tournaments won, but one round and back in the Garage. There is no way the old stuff is playable when put alongside the new.
So your a traditionalist, thats fine, play the game anyway you want and enjoy it but don’t try to convince anyone it was better. Todays stuff is great, although I do not approve of the way the lofts are jacked to hit it farther, that is an outright scam to sell more clubs.
I am sure the traditionalists drive an old car in favor of a new one also because they are still stuck in the good ole days. Well, whatever but don.t try to convince that old is better.
Joe
Dec 6, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Is it just me or did Callaway totally just rip off Ping’s i20 design?
Tourcaddie74
Sep 25, 2013 at 2:41 pm
With all the purist on this blog, how many of you are still playing persimmon drivers? Face it , golf has changed because of the golf ball. Low spin with a 3 or 4 iron will not go very far, much less get very high unless you come over the top. Callawy is the new leader in the golf industry. They have 21 people in R&D with PHDs. How many companies have that many on staff? These irons will be a big hit on the market because of the ability to mix and match irons in your set. For all the purist, go get yourself a set of MacGregor VIP’s from 1966 and see how they look, them go play a round from all the way back and post your 84.
MartyMouse
Sep 25, 2013 at 7:03 am
I have already hit both the pro and this version (pictured). The Callaway Rep let me do some range work with them. The pro version is completely awesome. Best forged cavity back they have ever built! I feel truly worthy of the Apex name. I am personally glad that they are not letting the model name die.
Jeffrey Trigger
Sep 23, 2013 at 6:36 pm
I don’t get all the anger on this post. Yes, they are named Apex. No, they aren’t blades. Seriously folks, from the address position find a better looking GI iron. I am quite impressed with the look of this iron. I’m hoping that this is a sign to come for 2014 irons to look less like space station door handles.
CJ
Sep 23, 2013 at 7:43 am
I would think the majority of customers buying these will know little if any about what the original Apex was…that was some time ago. Those that do don’t have to look at the Cally iron or hit it or talk about it..and continue to live in the past….IMO of course.
R
Sep 22, 2013 at 10:15 pm
look similar to the legacy black that stenson uses
Nathan
Sep 22, 2013 at 8:37 am
He’s dead so doesn’t really matter what they call them!!!…could call them bin ladens if they want…wh care!!!!!!
Dunno, Jack
Sep 20, 2013 at 12:57 pm
Truly, take one second to read what you write before hitting enter. Either that or post a video of your swing so we can determine credibility.
On another note, if you know anything about Mr. Hogan you would probably understand that he would most certainly not appreciate that you are speaking for him good or bad. Your opinion is not his opinion.
JHM
Sep 19, 2013 at 11:47 am
In a nod to all the traditionalist I heard that Callaway is going to be offering a Bobby Jones inspired line of blades. The PW will have 52 degrees of loft, stock shaft will be Hickory, other wooden shafts available as an upgrade.
Scratch kelly
Sep 18, 2013 at 7:10 pm
I own four sets of original hogan apex irons. They were the best irons of their day. This ‘blade” is forged? Like many of the others titleist ap1-2. Part forged part not! The use of the name may attract folks to look but the players looking for modern apex blades will run to miura or epon forged !!!! After seeing this. Probably plays well for most folks but the use of the name on these seems a waste if marketing print!
JS
Sep 18, 2013 at 1:21 pm
Anyone who thinks Callaway has a right to put Apex on those monstrosities doesn’t know equipment or has no sense of respect for the Ben Hogan brand or Legacy. A desperate company trying to cash in on a legacy they abandoned when they bought Top Flite to combat Titleist supremacy, that got them far!
Ian
Sep 19, 2013 at 3:50 pm
I bet the Hawk himself would be bagging something like these. I’m playing Cleveland 588TT’s. 7iron goes 165-170 up in the air! Why wouldn’t you? They look pretty good as well. Medium top line with far less off set then many GI irons. The 3time michigan player of the year as well as 2 time pga participant is playing them.
DP
Sep 17, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Alright, let’s all hold our water a bit, remember, these are just the Apex version, not say the Apex Pro or blade, which is probably the next step. I am all for tradition, but like someone posted above, if they feel good, work well and give a little more forgiveness than a blade I’d hit it. I am all for making the game easier and more fun for everyone. Give me a shovel and if it helps me with GIR’s I am all in…example G25’s. More people on this site SHOULD be applauding these versus all the criticism out of the box.
pinky&the brain
Sep 17, 2013 at 10:02 am
Give the clubs a chance…. lets not be too hasty.
Young
Sep 17, 2013 at 9:08 am
As long as that black thing is not plastic I am fine. just don’t like any plastic on my clubs..
Dave
Sep 17, 2013 at 7:13 am
I could care less that they don’t look like the old Apex.If they have a great feel and perform,I’m good with that.
Mike
Sep 17, 2013 at 6:52 am
Could’t agree more with Blair’s statement about the top line. I don’t mind rest of the design or looks but top line is just oafish!
Blair
Sep 17, 2013 at 4:27 am
top line is gross
Danny
Sep 18, 2013 at 6:58 pm
I don’t have an idea of the “old” Apex’s as with the new Apex launch is the first time I had heard of the older Ben Hogan line. I initially thought the cavity / rear (first picture) looked really nice and thought this is an iron I could game, then I scrolled down to the top line photo and WOW, what a shame! Guess the search for my next set continues!
Chris
Sep 16, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Man, you guys must be so awesome at golf. I guess you missed Nathan Smith playing X Hot irons with stock graphite shafts in the Walker Cup. Not X Hot Pros. Regular X Hot irons. It is not 1975 anymore.
HackerDav31
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:45 pm
You didn’t realize everyone here is a 0-2 hcp and hits driver 300+ yards? Welcome to WRX. Home of the Monday-Sunday morning quarterbacks of all things golf! I kid of course, there are lots of great guys on the site, but these rage debates over sullying a legacy with an iron launch, ruining golf with innovation, etc, etc, etc. Its so tiring… this site should be fun to visit! Most of the time its just infighting and brand name-calling… sadly.
Steve
Sep 16, 2013 at 6:51 pm
These look great. Lets hope there not to expensive.. Nobody is going to spend $1400 on ping anser irons but they are one of the best irons on the market. I can see the apex playing very similar to the anser. But they should leave the distance tag well away from these types of irons.
Martin
Sep 16, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Wow, you guys are a tough crowd.
I think they look pretty good and will try them out.
KK
Sep 16, 2013 at 6:28 pm
How about an Apex, Apex Tour and Apex MB? That would get the most out of the Apex name while offering blades for the diehards here. Although I doubt some of these Apex fans ever had the game for Apex irons, past or future. It’s like auto fans and manual transmissions. They cry about not the dwindling option but every car in their garage has slush boxes and soccer stickers on the windshield.
Mike
Sep 16, 2013 at 5:36 pm
I played Ben Hogan Apex clubs for years and those never looked so chunky. Who is Callaway aiming at with this Apex model, those retired 36+ HCPers with too much cash? Obviously yes. Sorry but that would be last clubs I would purchase. Shame that Callaway trashed Ben Hogan’s brand and legacy.
Ola scholander
Sep 17, 2013 at 1:06 am
Thats me! If you leave out the retired part 🙂
Chris
Sep 16, 2013 at 5:32 pm
At address they look very close to my beloved DCI Blacks. Now, offer Recoil shafts and these will be mine.
Chris
Sep 16, 2013 at 5:16 pm
Love em!!!
Andrew
Sep 16, 2013 at 4:00 pm
This is not ok….at all.
Greg
Sep 16, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Missed opportunity
MikeB
Sep 16, 2013 at 2:49 pm
I, for one, love the looks of these.
perry
Sep 16, 2013 at 12:14 pm
They should have named these the Hogan Radials!
naflack
Sep 16, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Is Ben Hogan somewhere all in a rage or shaking his head at the hysteria? Besides that, should it even matter? He was one man, who according to Arnold Palmer wasn’t even pleasant…
purkjason
Sep 16, 2013 at 11:10 am
This is all about greed and nothing else. After this slap in the face to the legendary Ben Hogan I vow to never own anything Callaway. I admit I own the X Hot Driver and for weeks now I have tried to brainwash myself into liking it but cannot. Yesterday I shelfed the driver. With todays 3 woods no one even needs a driver anyways. Ben Hogan, I personally apologize for Callaway’s Idiocy !
Matthew
Sep 17, 2013 at 10:55 am
Get over yourself. Why would they make a blade and put Apex on it, you honestly think that Callaway needs two lines of blades. It’s hard enough to sell one line of blades to amateurs who think they can play them but have no business hitting them. I personally think it’s a good idea on Callaways part to put the name on this type of iron. The guys that played the Hogans in the 70s and 80s and wants to play it again are most likely not playing blades now, or atleast shouldn’t be.
Perry
Sep 16, 2013 at 11:07 am
I am unsure of the terms of the sale of the Hogan name to, I think, Perry Ellis for clothing but if Callaway retained the rights to the Hogan name for equipment, I think they should keep it and use it with the Apex name in a traditional forged blade. I will reserve judgment until I see them but a prima facie opinion is that I don’t quite care for it. I heard there were a couple of versions of the Apex so maybe I’ll like the other version better.
Shark
Sep 16, 2013 at 11:01 am
I saw the title and eagerly opened to complete disappointment.
On their own without the apex name…. They are ok.
A friend once said if your titleist ap1 irons came forged he would love that.
Well… These look like they have a good address look, almost chunky like original x forged.
They have a insert for absorbing shock. They look somewhat forgiving.
But the blasphemy is in the name. Apex forged Ben Hogan blades were beautiful with clean lines and that great logo.
This offering had nothing to do with that. Why bring back the name for that? Absolutely bizarre thinking.
Ebk
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:48 am
Wow. Just wow.
They don’t look anything like an evolved Apex iron. Hard to see Apex name without the Ben Hogan cursive signature. I always hoped Cally would bring back the Hogan line, but that’s not possible. These don’t look nearly as nice as the x forged irons.
I wonder how they’ll play and what level player they’re designed for…
Gary
Oct 4, 2013 at 3:34 pm
I think the new apex irons look great
I had a set of apex blades in the 80’s they were great
Then I used hogan edge forged irons in the 90’s they were easy to use
I used them in the Brittish open in 1996
The new irons look easy to use and are forged
You have got to use modern technology
Stop kidding yourself only tour pros can hit blades.
JnRadioActive
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:36 am
The guys on the Hogan Swing Secrets page will piss themselves over this
JnRadioActive
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:35 am
If Ben is looking down (or up) on this it will make him even nastier than he already is up (or down) there…
Colin Gillbanks
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:50 am
Haha.
Comment of the week.
Me nunya
Sep 16, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Mr. Hogan is neither up there nor down below…everyone knows he is in Valhalla.
The rumor is Hogan’s driver is harder to lift than Mjolnir.
JChoj
Sep 17, 2013 at 10:04 am
THIS is the comment of the year!
Ola Scholander
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:35 am
trajectory and distance for these compared to speed blades? i like shovels but would prefer a forged shovel if it performs just as well. mizuno ez forged for example does not perform as good as rocketbladez (for me that is) . and yes i know all about kranked lofts etc, but rockebladez are both loger and w better trajectory than the ez:s
Jon W
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:32 am
legacy*
Big_5_Hole
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:06 am
Those are not Apex irons. Apex irons were the pinnacle of forged blades in their day, a true players club; these are shovels.
What a disgrace to one of the greatest names in golf history.
Jon W
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:31 am
+1, ruining the Ben Hogan golf club lagaxy.
Shame on you Callaway!
Aaron
Sep 18, 2013 at 10:54 pm
Considering that Callaway bought Hogan Golf years ago… Guess its theirs to do with as they please.
andy
Sep 18, 2013 at 11:59 am
stop being such a drama queen.
Jay
Oct 14, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Maybe they think these are that good that they can wear the Apex Badge. When is the Pro coming?
Josh
Sep 16, 2013 at 10:04 am
In before the rage comments!